On Christmas Day

Remember, all through the year, the lesson of the season: love one another

December 24, 2013

Editor's note: On this day each year, we choose to run a traditional column.

Today, for Christians, the hubbub gives way to the hush. The day that has been so eagerly anticipated is here.

Today, Christians celebrate the birth of a baby who would become a savior, a son of a virgin who was also the son of God, born on a long-ago day and existing before the world was born, sent to Bethlehem and always everywhere.

Today, millions of people will identify themselves, to themselves and to the world, as believers in this child who was the tiny vehicle for redemption and grace.

They will celebrate in pews and around tables, with gifts and song.

One of the season's favorites — "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"— is so familiar that it's easy to sing the words without stopping to remember what they mean.

"Emmanuel" means "God with us." That is what Christians are celebrating — the arrival of God in human form, sent to redeem and teach.

"Alleluia" is the Christian's response. Joy to the world. God is with us today.

And he was with us in March, and all through the summer and in late fall, too.

And what did he make of what he saw?

Observers have painted a picture of what he saw here in America this year. He saw discord among his children. He saw what many worry is a level of incivility and intolerance, of anger and antipathy that hasn't been true in American society, at least in recent memory.

He saw, as his children worked out how they would govern themselves, a level of raw emotion and rude behavior that shocked many. He saw the discourse become rancid and move beyond the exchange of ideas to a new dynamic in which it seems to be OK to vilify the people one disagrees with and even to wish death for them.

He saw the debate over what is the best way to "feed his sheep" evoke, in some quarters, a willingness to dehumanize the poor and even an eagerness to wash society's hands of them. He heard, as the nation reeled with economic crises, cries for vengeance aimed at those who worked in certain industries and a spirit that looked a lot like hatred for those who have a lot of money.

It is destructive to society and the spirit when our public life and inner feelings take on this dark cast. That's true no matter what the beliefs are of the people involved.

But for those who are celebrating their God this day, it's worth asking: Does he think that his children, here in America in 2013, are living in accordance with the instructions that baby, born to show the way, gave to them? Does he see, in the hearts and words and actions of Americans who claim his mercy, obedience to his great commandment, "Love one another"?

Does he think they are mindful of even being his children, as they interact with the other children he claims? And whom he claims, by the way, is his call, not ours.

The happy news for Christians, the greatest gift of that first Christmas, is that they can always be forgiven; they can draw on a well of abundant mercy; there are as many fresh starts as are needed.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we used that fresh start — and the opportunity the new year brings for everyone, of all beliefs — to resolve that we will debate ideas and not demean the people who say or think them? That we will remember that charity is as much an American value (and a Christian obligation) as individual responsibility? That we will listen as well as shout? That we will respond to proposals we don't like by proposing something better, not by dehumanizing the offerer?

That we will act as if Christmas is in our hearts as well as on our calendars?